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Escouter Newsletter October 2015
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Join Our List
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Fall Recruitment!
We hope your fall rallies and open houses have been a huge success! This time of year is so important to the 10,000 new Scouting families that will get involved in the movement. As it signifies the start of their adventure! Scouts returning from summer activities and camps will help pave the way for the new recruits with their stories of adventure, excitement and new found skills. There is no doubt that this is a great time to be a Scout and all of the new families entering this movement will be positively impacted by all of the recruiting efforts your District & Unit Membership Teams have put forth.
Don't forget to follow up with all of the families who attended rallies and didn't sign up that night. Also, remember to check your district's calendar to find out when you can turn in all the new youth that have joined your unit. Getting applications turned in completes the registration process and ensures that Scouts get all of the benefits that being a Member of the BSA offers. Remember that your unit's October Pack, Troop, Team, Crew or Ship meeting is a great place to have a second recruitment night for all those who could not make it the first time around. Your district executive can help you order your second round of flyers for this event. Good Luck & Happy Recruiting!!!
The summer may be coming to an end but the Scouting program is still open for business! That's right, service doesn't end and we hope your giving heart doesn't either! Please consider asking your company if they will match your Friends of Scouting donation to the Sam Houston Area Council. Many companies applaud their employees giving back to the community by matching (in full amount or partial) the contribution you made and will send their matching donation to your organization. That's right, no money down (for you) but recognition on your company's behalf for your commitment to grow a non-profit making a difference in the world, i.e. The Sam Houston Area Council! Won't you walk down to your human resources department today and ask if your company has a matching gift program for donations? That's one hallway walk for you, and one giant leap in serving boykind!
A few companies that have a matching gift program: AIG, Accenture, American Express, Ameriprise Financial, Apache, Baker Hughes, Bank of America, Barclays, BHP, Boeing, BP, Cameron, Chubb, Citgo, ConocoPhillips, Enterprise, EOG, EP, Equistar Chemicals, Exel Americas, FMCTI, GATX, Geico, Goldman Sachs, KBR, Lubrizol, Lyondell, Money Plus, Murphey Oil, Newfield Exploration, Phillips 66, Pricewaterhousecoopers, Rosetta Resources, Shell, St. Paul Companies, Tyco, Union Pacific
El Rancho Cima Update
Due to extensive flooding in the hill country, a number of facilities at Cockrell River Camp at El Rancho Cima have sustained flood damage. The cleanup efforts at Cockrell River Camp is currently underway.
Regretfully, the Sam Houston Area Council will not be able to provide a camping experience at Cockrell River Camp in the summer of 2016. Our other camp located at El Rancho Cima, Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend was unharmed and continues to operate normally.
Summer camp at El Rancho Cima will be held at Walter Scout Camp at Horseshoe Bend in 2016. We will be able to provide program opportunities in aquatics, shooting sports and climbing by utilizing those elements at Cockrell River Camp.
As always, our first priority is to provide a meaningful and safe camping experience for our Scouts. We thank you for your continued support.
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Leader's News
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Selling Popcorn...Building Character One Scout at a Time!
Sam Houston Area Council's annual Popcorn Sale has officially started! Once your unit hosts their unit kickoff, Scouts may begin selling! To assist you in your sale, visit here and look under the "resources tab" for tons of materials including the power point presentation from the council kickoff/training held in August. It's not too late to sign up to sell. Contact your district popcorn kernel or district executive to find out how to get started. Every year thousands of Scouts and families participate to earn funds to help maintain and improve their Scouting program. There are also cool new prizes added to the prize program this year, along with bonus prizes that include the $650 Club, $1,800 Club...and even an College Scholarship opportunity through Trails-end. Scouts learn valuable life lessons, gain self-confidence and have fun developing salesmanship techniques. For every dollar earned, over 30% goes directly to local Scouting units. For those with families outside the Houston area, Scouts can set up an on-line account and encourage friends and family to purchase their favorite flavors and the popcorn will be shipped directly to them. Click here to read about what's new including "Blitz Day" and learn how anyone can be a top seller by setting a goal, wearing your uniform, being polite and having fun. Good luck with your popcorn sale in 2015! The popcorn leader's guide and important dates are on the popcorn website page.
Popcorn Blitz Day is a designated day in which units are encouraged to sell popcorn during take order as a group by canvasing areas in their neighborhood. Scouts that meet the items sold count indicated by each date will qualify for entry in the drawing for one of three GoPro Hero3+ Silver Edition.
October 3, 2015 - Sell total 20 items by this date
October 24, 2015 - Sell total 40 items by this date
November 7, 2015 - Sell total 60 items by this date
Fun with Son "Super Scouts Academy" October 16-18, 2015 
Fun with Son is an overnight campout for newly registered Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts and their parent/guardian at Bovay Scout Ranch near Navasota from October 16-18, 2015. Scouts can enjoy BB guns, archery, slingshots, crafts, sports, games, campfire, and more. Admission includes two meals (dinner & breakfast) For more information and to register click here.
Service Opportunity to Volunteer: Fun with Son
The Sam Houston Area Council is actively recruiting volunteers from each district to help deliver the Fun with Son Cub Scout camping experience on October 16-18 at Bovay Scout Ranch.
This event is not only fun and exciting, but is also very rewarding for all who help serve our newly recruited Cub Scouts and their families. Scouts and Scout Leaders from troops, crews, teams and ships throughout the council are encouraged to help with this annual event. For more information, please email Michelle.phillips@scouting.org
 2015 Recipients for Silver Beaver Award
Join us for the Silver Beaver Awards Reception on Tuesday, October 27th at 7:10 p.m. The reception will be held at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, TX 77024. The Silver Beaver Award is the highest form of recognition that a local council can bestow on a volunteer for distinguished service.. More than 1,500 adult leaders in our council have been recognized in this manner. In addition to family, friends and Scouters, all past Silver Beaver recipients are invited to attend and congratulate this outstanding group. Light refreshments will be served, following the ceremony. To see the list of 2015 Silver Beaver Award recipients click here.
Wood Badge Adult Leadership Course
Wood Badge is the ultimate leadership training program for the adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America! It is a six-day advanced leadership course for Scout Leaders involved in all program levels: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing.
Don't miss this opportunity to attend the final course of 2015! The training sessions are held over two separate weekends. Participants will learn techniques to become better leaders.
Click here for more information and to register.The dates for our final 2015 fall Wood Badge course are:
SHAC 15-3 October 29-31, 2015 and November 19-21, 2015 (Thursday - Saturday course)
 Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow - Saturday, November 14th
Religious Emblems
October is the last practical month to start seeking Cub Scout Religious Emblems, have all requirements finished and paperwork submitted for an awards ceremony to be held on Scout Sunday. If a priority is placed and weekly meetings held, it is also not too late for many of the Scout and Venture Emblems to be finished by the end of the year. Scout and Venture Emblems are usually and recommended to start in April or May and meet monthly.
Emblem books are available in your local Scout Shop.
This month's Council Coordinated will include a training for new District and/or Unit Religious Emblem Coordinators. It will also be offered at the upcoming Pow Wow. Other topics at CC will include success stories, a discussion on things that have worked (and not worked) and a training on the new Cub Scout and Boy Scout advancement requirements and how they interact with Religious Emblems.
2nd Annual Color Run - Thank You!
On behalf of Boy Scouts of America, Learning for Life, Special Needs Program, we would like to thank all of our supporters as well as our participants for supporting our 2nd Annual Color Run on Saturday, May 2, 2015. We had over 200 runners/walkers/skippers/hoppers and approximately 10 vendor tables. Thank you Kas Kramer, Fall Creek's Recreation Director, for hosting this event. A special thanks to Deputy Terry Garza and the Harris County Sheriff Office Law Enforcement Explorer Posts 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, and 46. For more information about the 2nd Annual Color Run, please click here.
Eagle Scout Association The Eagle Scout Association (ESA-SHAC) has several upcoming meet ups, breakfasts, and alumni events. To find information about the next event click here. If you would like to receive more information on the ESA-SHAC please email info@thegatheringofeagles-houston.org and also sign up to receive the free newsletter here.
National Youth Leadership Training Registration is open 
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed for youth members. Leadership skills and experiences can be used in home troops and other situations that demand leadership of self and others. Join us this year at Bovay Scout Ranch in Navasota, TX the week of December 26 - 31. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio-visual support, NYLT participants will be engaged in a unified approach to leadership that will give skills and confidence. This course fills up very quickly. For more information, please click here.
Add STEM To Your Troop Meetings
There's one surefire way to keep your Boy Scouts coming back week after week: Make your troop meetings as fun as possible. Look for ways to bring new, innovative STEM activities to supplement your Scouting program and bring excitement to your meetings. Give your Scouts pipe foam and duct tape so they can create an insane miniature roller coaster. Watch as they craft catapults out of sticks and rubber bands to fling marshmallows at other patrols. Let them build robots! The Scouts will have a blast, and you'll love knowing they're learning about STEM - science, technology, engineering and math - in the process. Click here for more information about STEM. To learn more about what STEM looks like in your Troop meetings click here.
Save the Date - Top Leader Basic Training Day
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Basic Training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing and Top Leaders will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Cockrell Scout Center. Take advantage of this great opportunity to receive the necessary training for your position that will fulfill the recharter requirements. Courses offered will include Cubmaster Leader Specific, Scoutmaster Leader Specific, Varsity Coach Leader Specific, and Venturing Leader Specific. Registration will be opening soon. Lunch will be available for purchase on registration site.
Save the Date - 38th Annual Sam Houston Area Council First Aid Meet
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Location to be determined
The Brazos District Health and Safety Committee will also be conducting American Red Cross classes for First Aid and CPR Training at the First Aid Meet. For more information, please click here.
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training every two years is a requirement for all leaders to be registered with the BSA. The classroom version (per Texas law) is required within the past 2 years for all adults participating in a long-term camping experience in the State of Texas. (This includes day camp scheduled over consecutive days, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camp, summer camp, and winter camp.) Adults must complete the test with a score of 70% or higher to be considered trained and will receive a training card. A copy of each test will be on file for two years. Classroom Facilitated Youth Protection Training will be available in districts leading up to summer camp and day camp. You may also check websites of neighboring districts and click here for more information.
 Tour and Activity PlansDon't forget to turn in your tour plans for your unit's events. For guidelines and other information regarding Tour Plans please click here.
You do not need a tour plan for Council sponsored activities or camping at Council camps.
Certification Required
If your unit is planning to host an event that requires certification (Shooting, Boating, Swimming, Climbing, etc.) you must provide certification information on your TOUR PLAN and present a copy of the certification to the Ranger / Campmaster before beginning the activity. For more information please click here.
Campmaster Program
 Do you consider the "OUT" in ScOUTing to be an important part of the BSA program? Have you enjoyed weekend camping at any of the Sam Houston Area Council camps? Would you be willing to help others get the same enjoyable experience? Can you commit just two weekends per year to helping others? If so, then the new SHAC Campmaster Corps is the place for you! Teams are now being formed for Camp Brosig, McNair Cub Adventure Camp and Tellepsen Scout Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. For more information click here.
Enterprise Risk Management
Please click here for more information about Enterprise Risk Management, including advancement opportunities.
 Emergency Preparedness Awareness
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pleased to partner with the Boy Scouts of America to increase the level of citizen preparedness across the country. DHS has asked the Boy Scouts of America to build upon the foundation of the Ready Campaign and to help citizens across the country prepare for emergencies of all kinds.
Emergency preparedness means being prepared for all kinds of emergencies, able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property, and to help a community-or even a nation-return to normal life after a disaster occurs.
The Emergency Preparedness BSA program is planned to inspire the desire and foster the skills to meet this challenge in our youth and adult members so that they can participate effectively in this crucial service to their families, communities, and nation. For more information, please click here.
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| Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring |
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch
You are invited to explore and enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a variety of camping opportunities for everyone from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps and the new Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme Adventure Camp. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a great swimming pool and an air conditioned dining hall (closed on Weekend Camping dates). The Trading Post will be open on some Weekend Camping dates. Click here to see the BOVAY Video
Please reserve your attendance now for Fall 2015 dates at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch is an overnight, full program camp for all family members. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos and their families will enjoy an exciting variety of activities at several program areas that is subject to change and food service in the camp's air conditioned dining hall (The kitchen offers a Vegetarian and Turkey patty supplement as requested). All the program activities are open every session during Cub Resident Camp. A staff member in each area will provide program supplies and support the parents who will be invited to assist in leading the activities. Pack, Dens, and individual families may register. For more information click here.
Webelos Coyote Trail Extreme
November 13-15, 2015 Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme is a specialty Adventure Camp weekend for 4th and 5th grade Webelos Scouts at McNair Cub adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. During this fast paced weekend, Webelos Scouts work on Arrow of Light requirements and are introduced to the patrol method giving them a unique experience into the importance of team work and an introduction to Boy Scouts. There will be six sessions which will cover some of the Adventure requirements in the Cub Scout Webelos handbook. The sessions will cover ropes, knots, camping, outdoors, the flag, and first aid. Space is limited, so please register early. For more information, please click here.
Weekend Unit Camping
Troops, teams, crews, packs, or webelos dens can enjoy the amazing beauty of Bovay Scout Ranch rolling hills, trails and vast open spaces. Clean campsites, restrooms and showers are available; units may design their own program activities and provide their own meals. Units that plan to schedule Shooting Sports Activities need to read the new Shooting Sport Manual and complete a Tour Activity Plan.
 Tellepsen Scout CampGet ready for fall camping at our newest Scout camp! Tellepsen Scout Camp is located at Bovay Scout Ranch. Tellepsen Scout Camp has eight campsites that accommodate 48 individuals per site. Each campsite has a 30'x40' pavilion. One shower and restroom facility is available for every two campsites. It is the home of the council's largest rifle range and a 41-foot climbing tower. The rifle range consists of four 50-yard high-powered rifle stations, four 100-yard high-powered rifle stations, a five stand shotgun range, 8 shooting stations for .22 rifles and pistols and an archery range. The climbing tower has four rappelling stations of 11 feet, 22 feet, 32 feet and 41 feet. Weekend Camping is available to troops, teams, ships and crews. For more information and registration, please click here.
Camp Brosig Weekend Camping
Camp Brosig is a 92 acre property located 6 miles north of Sealy, TX and is available to all registered units for weekend camping year round. With 20 campsites, a large covered pavilion and meeting room available for your use, it is the ideal place to hold your next event. Kitchen facilities are available for an additional fee. The camp was made possible through a bequest from Alva Brosig in 1981 and was dedicated on April 17, 1982. For more information and registration click here.
El Rancho Cima Weekend Programs.
Want to camp at El Rancho Cima in the fall, well now you can. Take advantage of the cooler weather and visit a "different" El Rancho Cima. Take advantage of Horseback rides, Hiking, the Shooting Ranges, and Camping. For more information contact Tami Kinn at 713-756-3309 or click here.
El Rancho Cima Horse Committee
Do you have a passion for horses? We are looking for you! If you are interested in serving on the Horse Committee, please contact Brett Lee at 713-756-3306 or Brett.Lee@Scouting.org
Winter Camp
Be a part of the first winter camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. Registration is open. Space is very limited and will fill up extremely fast. Get your reservation in today. For more information, click here.
Sea Scout Base - Galveston 
Looking for an on-the-water "High Adventure" experience at one of the nation's premier state-of-the-art facilities? Then look no further, than Sea Scout Base - Galveston (SSBG), located on the nation's third coast in Galveston, Texas!!!
2 great High Adventure experiences are lined up for the summer of 2015 that only require a crew of 6 participants 13 years of age or older, traditionally made up of 4 youth & 2 adults.
-The Galveston Nautical Adventure offers the perfect mix of small boat sailing, kayaking, big boat sailing and crew-to-crew competition.
-The SCUBA Certification Adventure offers the chance for a crew to pick up their PADI Open Water Certification, which serves as a great first step toward other diving experiences in the future for your unit!
Plus if you know any Cub Scouts/Webelos out there hoping to dive into some fun, The Cub Scout Splash Weekend offers a truly unique adventure for them as well!!!
JULY 16, 2017- JULY 28, 2017
The Summit in West Virginia...Live Scouting's Adventure.
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!!
This will be the trip of a life time. Available to all Venturers and Boy Scout who will be First Class rank by 2017. Participation includes a 3 day tour of Washington DC, all food, Jamboree gear, and travel. Activities include whitewater, climbing, zip lines, mountain biking, and patch trading, SCUBA, arena shows, and Technology Quest.
Price for this exciting adventure is $3,025.
For more information, please click here. If you would like to be considered for Adult Leadership on the Council Contingent, please fill out an adult application and submit it to Kaitlin Craig at Kaitlin.Craig@scouting.org.
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Scout Days, Scout Nights
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 Scout Nights with the Houston RocketsIt's time for Houston Rockets basketball as they kick off the 2015-2016 season! Come support the duo of James Harden and Dwight Howard and the rest of the Rockets as they move through the pre-season and into a brand new year.
Wednesday, October 7th vs. Dallas Mavericks: Game time is 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
Saturday, October 17th vs. Miami Heat: Game time is 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
Monday, October 19th vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game time is 7:00pm at Toyota Center.
All Scouts, as well as their family and friends will receive a special offer for all preseason games!
Order your tickets online here, enter promo code: SCOUT
Swimming Courses at the Health Museum
The Health Museum, 1515 Hermann Dr. Houston 77004, and The Gigglin' Marlin Dive & Swim, 4502 Almeda Drive are hosting swimming related courses for Scouts. Visit here for more information about class schedules and pricing or c ontact Lee Williams, 713-337-8454, or scouts@thehealthmuseum.org Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18
Bike Around the Bay is the annual cycling event hosted by the Galveston Bay Foundation to help raise funds and awareness for Galveston Bay. Each year over 1,000 cyclists participate. Scouts are asked to help lead recycling and waste management efforts are various sites around Galveston Bay. For more information please contact Emily Ford at eford@galvbay.org
Safety Merit Badge at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital
Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital will hosts several opportunity for Boy Scout troops or individuals to fulfill the requirements for the Safety Merit Badge. This program includes an interactive, educational component and tour of the emergency and trauma services of the hospital. A light breakfast is provided.
October 17. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, 6411 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
Cost: $25 registration fee per scout (to be paid at the time of registration)
Eligibility: Any Boy Scout (at least 10 years of age) is eligible. Each session is limited to 20 scouts.
Prerequisite work must be completed prior to arrival to the facility.
To register, contact 713-222-CARE (2273) or by clicking here. or via phone: 713.704.0108.
Open World Air Hockey Championship 
Saturday, October 17
The Open World Air Hockey Championships is inviting all Sam Houston Area Council Scouts to come play for fun and competition. Special group rates to register. There will be trophies/prizes for the highest finishing members from each troop, highest finishing leaders and highest finishing members from the entire Houston area. Air Hockey is fun for kids of all ages and grown-ups too! To get enough trophies/prizes we will need to sign up soon. For more information, please click here or contact Tim Weissman at (832) 444-9623 or tweissm@entouch.net
Legends Sports Complex Scout Day
Saturday, October 24
Legends Sports Complex in The Woodlands,TX is hosting a 24 obstacle, 2+ Mile adventure obstacle course race on October 24th. This race is all about honoring our men and women in arms and, if registering as a team, working as a unit to overcome adversity and physical challenges. To register please visit here and include the discount code BOYSCOUTS50 to receive a $25 off per participant discount. This offer is also extended to any scout family members that would like to participate as well! For more information, please contact Aaron Stark (281) 907-4207 or visit www.TheLegendsSportsComplex.com
Schlitterbahn Fall Scout Day
Saturday, October 31, 2015 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Join us for Scout Day at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark on Saturday, October 31, 2015. All Scouts receive an Exclusive use of the Wasserfest tower attractions from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. before it opens to the public on this special day, with all-day park admission and a FREE 2015 Schlitterbahn Scout Day Patch.. You must be a member of a Scout Group to participate. Event Admission is $17.00 + tax per person, all ages. SAVE $10.99 off the full gate price of $27.99 + tax. For more information, please click here.
Dewberry Farm- Scouts Weekends
October 31- November 1
November 7 - November 8 Admission is $6.00 plus tax, for Scouts, Leaders and Immediate Family Dewberry Farm, located at FM 362 and Morrison Road in Brookshire, TX is family entertainment at its very best with 35+ attractions, 10 yummy eateries, Pumpkins galore and acres and acres of fun! It's a South Texas family tradition to visit Dewberry Farm each fall for pumpkin picking and to explore the giant cornfield maze. This would be a great option for a unit activity for your Scouts this fall. For more information, please click here.
Scout Day at Houston SPCA
Saturday, November 7
The Houston SPCA will hold its first Scout Day this Fall. We are excited to invite Cub Scouts seeking requirements for adventure pins as well as Boy Scouts seeking their Dog Care Merit Badge to join us on November 7, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for a fun-filled day of working on activities required for advancement. There is limited space available for this program, pre-registration is required. Please e-mail Education@HoustonSPCA.org for more details or to register for this program.
Buffalo Soldier Scout Days
Sunday, November 15
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Buffalo Soldiers Museum has an exciting opportunity for Scouts on several days. The Museum has offered to include guided tours and the opportunity to review advancement requirements for the Heritages Belt Loop and American Cultures Merit Badge. The Scout Days also include re-enactments of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The cost is $3 for Scouts and $5 for adults. For more information and to purchase tickets Call (713) 942-8920. This program was conceived by the African American Committee on Scouting.
2015 IWF World Weightlifting Championships 
Houston is proud to partner with the United States Olympic Committee and USA Weightlifting to host the 2015 World Weightlifting Championships, which will be held in the United States for the first time in over 40 years. For nine exciting days and nights, an estimated 600 competitors from over 188 affiliated National Federations from all five Olympic continents are expected to participate in this International Olympic Committee sanctioned qualifying event for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympic Games.
The week of November 20 - 28, 2015 at the George R. Brown Convention CenterPlease click here for more information and to reserve your tickets now! Enter the code "SCOUT" to receive 10% off the normal ticket price.
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| Support Scouting |
Sam Houston Area Council Service Awards LuncheonThe Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America's Service Awards Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th at the Cockrell Scout Center. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution toward implementing Scouting opportunities for low income youth in both urban and rural areas, with special focus to support the Council's African American, Hispanic and Asian Initiatives.
The 2015 award recipients are:
Martin Ngoc Pham
Adrian Garcia
Lionel R. Jellins
George M. Fleming
The George Foundation
Endowment Stewardship ReportFor the Sam Houston Area Council, the momentum of endowment growth has made an everlasting impact on Scouting programs. With our investment and spending policies in place, your investments in Scouting are supporting essential programs with over $1,650,000 annually. The positive change created is unending. The enclosed Endowment Stewardship Report summarizes the Council's overall investment balance and performance through June 30, 2015. In 2015, our goal is to raise an additional $1,000,000 in endowment gifts leveraging the Cockrell Match Program. Thanks to the generosity of The Cockrell Foundation, individual endowment gifts of $500 to a lifetime cumulative maximum of $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Take advantage of this program now until December 15th by clicking here.
The Cockrell Foundation Matching Gift Program
 The Cockrell Foundation will match your Endowment gift "dollar for dollar" on all individual gifts in the amount of $500 up to a lifetime cumulative maximum of $25,000 made to the endowment by December 15, 2015. All gifts are being recognized with the James E. West Fellowship Award and included in the Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign. View the video. Your gift of just $500 will be endowed and produce $50 annually. Just image what a gift of $1,000 for 5 years could do? For more information, contact Devin.Koehler@scouting.org or 713-756-3321.
What is a James E. West Fellowship Award?
The James E. West Fellowship Award is a recognition authorized by the National Service Center, BSA and presented by the Sam Houston Area Council for individuals and chartered units who contribute $1,000 or more in cash or securities to the Sam Houston Area Council Endowment. Your donation of $500 will qualify you or someone you care about or honor as a new James E. West Fellow. This contribution is in addition to, and should not diminish or replace, the donor's annual gift to Friends of Scouting campaign. Read more about the fellowship here. For more information, please click here.
Giving Questions / Scouting Answers Like most donors, your main concern is how to make a gift that best meets your needs or solves a particular problem. You probably don't care about the technical name of your gift, you just want I to be of the most value.
Many corporations match employee contributions made to the Boy Scouts - these gifts are known as "Matching Gifts." Additionally, some companies will make contributions on behalf of volunteer time given to Scouting. Click here for more information. Please contact Devin Koehler at devin.koehler@shac.org or 713-756-3321 for additional support.
Do You Work With ExxonMobil?
ExxonMobil Foundation allows districts and sub-districts in the Council to establish accounts. If you are employed by Exxon Mobil and would like to apply for VIP grants please contact Devin Koehler at devin.koehler@shac.org or 713-756-3321 on how to proceed. Volunteer grants help districts achieve their Friends of Scouting goal.
Send a Memorial or Tribute
Are you looking for a unique way to recognize those close to you? Give a Memorial ("in memory of") or Tribute ("in honor of") so that those extraordinary individuals in your life will be acknowledged. Click here for more information.
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| Order of the Arrow |
The Order of the Arrow is the Scouting National Honor Society. For 99 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, developing leaders, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich, support, and help to extend Scouting to America's youth. For more information, contact your OA chapter.
#DareToDo Colonneh Lodge attended the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference at Michigan State University. In the midst of the centennial celebration, National Chief Alex Call, stepped onto the stage and dared all 15,000 Arrowmen to take part in a movement that could change the world: #DareToDo.
Up to NOAC, the centennial had been about celebrating the first 100 years of the OA. In his remarks, Alex began a pivot to the future: "we must also plot the course of what we will do and what we will be in the future. When we leave here in the next couple days, we will leave with the responsibility of laying the foundation for our next century of service." Alex dared all in attendance to take part in the #DareToDo movement. Accepting the #DareToDo is simple: make a difference in the lives of others by doing one act of service, and posting about it on social media, every day for 100 days. Arrowmen post their act through a photo or post to their social media with the hash tag #DareToDo. All of the Arrowmen in our lodge are challenged to participate in #DareToDo, and to encourage all of their friends (Scouting and non) to accept the dare as well. Acts do not need to be monumental - the dare is all about getting everyone doing small acts of service consistently. DareToDo also has a website, dareto.do, as well as social accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram which will highlight some of the acts of service posted using the hashtag. The website also includes an interactive map to see the spread of the movement across the world. Arrowmen and their friends are encouraged to follow these accounts for inspiration, and to encourage others participating in #DareToDo.
Fall Pow Wow
November 6-8, 2015
Bovay Socut Ranch
OA Fall Pow Wow is Colonneh Lodge's premier event. It is a combination of sports, games, expos, shows, ceremony competitions, Native American crafts, Pow Wows, and so much more. OA Fall Pow Wow is held at Bovay Scout Ranch, and is three days of non-stop fun, food, fellowship and celebration. Don't miss the annual Vigil call out following the Saturday evening show. Click here to register.
Arrowman Service Award
Registered Order of the Arrow members in good standing with the BSA, SHAC and Colonneh Lodge will be able to commemorate our organization's centennial by working to complete the Arrowman Service Award. This award, which some are referring to as "the sash patch," will be recognized as one of the few patches that have ever been approved by the national Order of the Arrow committee to be worn on an OA sash. The purpose of the Arrowman Service Award (ASA) is to encourage Arrowmen to recommit themselves to the ideals of the Order, increase their level of service to their local unit and council, and participate in the 100th anniversary celebration of the OA. The award will have three categories of criteria with various requirements that Arrowmen can complete. These include components on personal growth, service to Scouting, and participation in the centennial celebration. For an application, click here.
Ordeals
Boy Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their troop must complete an Ordeal within one year, in order to become a member of Colonneh Lodge. If a candidate does not attend an Ordeal within one-year, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit. There are seven Ordeal opportunities in 2015. A candidate can only complete his Ordeal in Colonneh Lodge. For more information, click here.
OA Unit Elections
Through November 16, 2015 Once each year, a troop or team may hold a unit election to elect youth members of their troop or team to become members of the Order of the Arrow. Both youth and adult Scouts and Scouters can become members of the OA, but only youth members are elected. Assistant Scoutmasters under the age of 21 are considered youth members for OA purposes. New members are voted on by every youth member of the troop present at the election - not just the OA members. Elections are normally held at a regular troop meeting, and take about half an hour to complete. In order for an election to be held, at least 50% of your active youth members must be present - if less than 50% are present, the election must be rescheduled. The OA elections must be completed by a trained election team from the chapter or lodge with support of unit Arrowmen, OA troop/team representative and unit leader. Troops or team can sign up for an election here.
Pay Your Dues Online
Colonneh Lodge dues are renewed annually. An active member in Colonneh Lodge is someone who is a currently registered Scout or Scouter in the Sam Houston Area Council with current dues paid. With active membership, you are entitled to attend all functions of the lodge appropriate for your honor level. It also entitles you to wear your OA flap. Technically, if you don't pay your dues, you are not a member, and the flap should be removed from your uniform. For more information please click here
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